ETYM Cf. Icel. hvirfilvindr, Swed. hvirfvelvind, Dan. hvirvelvind, German wirbelwind. Related to Whirl, and Wind.
A more or less vertical column of air whirling around itself as it moves over the surface of the Earth.
Rapidly rotating column of air, often synonymous with a tornado. On a smaller scale it produces the dust-devils seen in deserts.
Sudden squall, tumult or disturbance.